JP3471606B2 - Data cartridge caddy vs storage rack reference system - Google Patents

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a data cartridge storage and handling system, and more particularly to a portable carrying case or caddy for handling data cartridges. In particular, the present invention provides a reference method and apparatus that allows a user to easily insert a data cartridge into a storage rack of an autochanger library.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Computer information storage libraries (also known as autochangers) typically include at least one computer information drive mechanism, a media storage system for computer information media or data cartridges, media or cartridges in a drive or storage location. A picker (also called a gripper, manipulator, coupling mechanism) for inserting and pulling out of the drive or storage location, between the drive and storage location,
Includes a transport mechanism for moving the picker, media or cartridge. Computer information storage drives having removable media include, for example, disk drives (magnetic or optical) and magnetic tape drives.

Media storage systems include, for example, carousels, cylindrical silos, slotted magazines or racks. There are wide areas of transport assembly. For example, the cartridge can be translated and rotated with four or more degrees of freedom by the arm of the anthropomorphic robot, or simply translated in two dimensions. Also, instead of a separate transport mechanism, the media storage system can be movable. For example, the carousel can rotate and a stationary drive can position the cartridge in the proper location.

In addition, the drive can be moved by the transport system to the location of the stationary cartridge. There is also a wide range of pickers here. For example,
A friction gripper with multiple fingers can be used, various media or cartridge features can be hooked or clamped, or the cartridge can be easily pushed and pulled. In particular, DLT tape cartridges are commercially available from Quantum (Milpitas, Calif.
fornia) is available and is of interest for computer information storage libraries.

A computer information storage library or autochanger typically has a storage rack for holding a number of media cartridges that are not currently retrieved by the autochanger or otherwise utilized in the storage location. Target. Generally, a robot arm or picker retrieves a media cartridge from its location in a storage rack and places it in a drive when a particular media cartridge is needed. When the media cartridge is no longer in use, it is typically returned to the same or different location on the storage rack. Media cartridges are held in both fixed (ie, non-removable) storage slots (or caddies) and removable storage slots (or caddies) of storage racks. The removable caddy can hold about 5 data cartridges, although 5 is not a special number and the caddy can accommodate a different number of data cartridges. The storage caddy can be removed from the storage rack and the media cartridge can be modified for different storage caddies.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a system for accurately guiding a caddy to its final referenced position in a storage rack.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a data cartridge handling and storage caddy for transporting a data cartridge being handled outside an autochanger storage rack. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention also provides a method and apparatus for positioning a handling and storage caddy in a cartridge storage location for introducing a handling and storage caddy in the cartridge storage location.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, which is brought about by the accompanying drawings and by way of illustrating the operating principle of the invention.

[0009]

1 is a schematic perspective view of a computer information storage library (also known as an autochanger) associated with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
The autochanger shown in FIG. 1 has three computer information drive mechanisms 100, 101, 102, which are mounted on the base of a cabinet (not shown). Cartridge storage area 10 above the drive
At least one row of four is used to store the data cartridges. In the example of a compact embodiment of a storage rack using the concept of the present invention, it may have only one or two rows of storage space, and in larger embodiments it may have three or more rows. The storage location 104 is, for example, in FIG.
Can be defined by a "C" shaped bracket, as shown in Figure 1, or an "L" shaped bracket, a shelf, an edge guide, or other suitable holder.

The storage location 104 preferably includes a feature to prevent vibration or shaking outside the range of the cartridge storage location. A transport mechanism (not shown) provides horizontal (X and Y) and vertical (Z) movement to the picker 106 and supports the picker 106 in a fixed direction with respect to the movement path. The picker 106 includes a sleeve (not shown) having guides for carrying the data cartridge and allowing the thumb to move. An example of a suitable transport mechanism for a computer information storage rack configured generally as shown in FIG. 1 is US Pat.
387, 5043962 and US patent application Ser. No. 08/296054, each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

The various features of the present invention are shown in FIGS.
4, detailed in Sections 1-7.

1. Data Cartridge Handling and Storage Caddy FIG. 2 shows a bottom perspective view of a typical DLT data cartridge 200. FIG. 3 shows a second bottom perspective view of a typical DLT data cartridge 200. Figure 6 shows the DLT as seen from the cartridge magazine side 342 of the caddy.
Caddy for data cartridge handling and storage 3
00, and a top perspective view of the DLT data cartridge 200. The dotted line in FIG. 6 indicates the data cartridge 2
00 shows an insertion passage for inserting 00 into the central storage slot 340 of the caddy 300.

The data cartridge slot 340 on the cartridge magazine side 342 of the caddy 300 is bounded by the ledge 316 extending between the side walls 346 and 348 of the caddy 300, or both at substantially the same position on the Z axis. It is defined by partial shelves 318 and 320 that run along the X axis of the side walls 346 and 348. Whether to use full shelves 316 or partial shelves 318 and 320 is a matter of design choice, but having at least one full shelf 316 is important to the structural integrity of caddy 300. Preferred for. The Z-axis spacing between the shelves 316, 318, 320 is
It is slightly larger than the width W of the data cartridge 200.

Outer edge 3 of shelves 316, 318, 320
51 is the cartridge magazine side 3 of the caddy 300
Along the X-axis towards 42, shelves 316, 318, 3
It can optionally be tilted from the relatively thin outer edge of 20 to a slightly thicker shelf beyond. The tilting is to facilitate the user and the autochanger to orient and insert the data cartridge 200 into the slot 340. Also, in the X-axis direction towards the cartridge magazine side 342 of the caddy 300, the outer edges of the caddy side walls 346 and 348 can be arbitrarily tilted from a relatively thin outer edge to a slightly thicker wall. This is also to facilitate the user and the autochanger to orient and insert the data cartridge 200 into the slot 340. Side walls 346 and 348 in the Y-axis direction
The furthest distance between the two is slightly greater than the length L of the data cartridge 200.

The caddy 300 is a cartridge on the back side.
The data cartridge 200 is inserted into and extracted from the magazine side 342. The caddy 300 also includes a front user-operated side 344, which has a handle 314 for the user to carry the caddy 300 when the caddy 300 is removed from the storage rack 108. The handle 314 can also be utilized by a user to insert the caddy 300 into and out of the storage rack 108.

As shown in FIGS. 2-6, a typical D
The LT data cartridge 200 is generally symmetrical or square in shape, with relatively few surface features on the outer cartridge contour, such as notches, grooves or the like. It is therefore rather easy to insert the DLT data cartridge into the storage rack (104 of FIG. 1) of the autochanger in the wrong orientation, eg, upside down, upside down or other incorrect orientation. D
If the LT data cartridge 200 is placed in the autochanger storage rack 108 in the wrong orientation, the storage rack will be unable to read or write the data cartridge 200. This is because the autochanger considers all the data cartridges 200 to be placed in the storage rack 108 in the same orientation.

In the handling and storage caddy 300,
That is, in order to prevent the data cartridge 200 from being inserted into the storage rack 108 in the wrong orientation, the caddy 300 of the present invention is designed to accommodate data along the inside of the caddy wall 346 in each of the data cartridge slots 340 of the caddy 300. A cartridge insertion guide tab 322 is provided. The guide tab 322 is on a side wall 346 on the way to the cartridge magazine side of the caddy of the data cartridge slot 340 so that the guide tab 322 aligns the notch 202 of the data cartridge 200. When the data cartridge 200 is fully inserted in the slot 340, the guide tab 322 is placed in the recess 216 of the data cartridge 200.

It should be noted that the protrusion 20 of the notch 202 is
4 side is shorter than the protrusion 206 side of the notch 202. Therefore, the data cartridge is picker 106
Correct orientation for the caddy 300 magazine side 3
42 on the side of the slot 340 at 42
All you have to do is align 22. Everything except the correct data cartridge orientation is locked out from mounting on caddy 300. After the data cartridge 200 has been properly oriented by the user into the desired slot 340 of the caddy 300, the data cartridge 200 is mounted in the caddy 300 by pushing it toward the slot 340. Once the data cartridge is inserted into slot 340, data cartridge 200 is locked in place in slot 340 as described in Section 2 below.

Data Cartridge Caddy 3 of the Present Invention
00 was developed for autochanger storage racks where the picker 106 needs to pull the data cartridge 200 vertically from the storage rack 108. However, if the caddy is designed for an autochanger storage rack where the picker 106 pulls the data cartridge 200 out of the storage rack 108 upside down, the insertion guide tabs are used to accommodate the data cartridge in an upside down manner. 322 is properly positioned on side wall 348 rather than side wall 346.

2. Data Cartridge Interlock and Release System A data cartridge interlock and release system will be described with reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11. The data cartridge interlock and release system locks the data cartridge 200 in the caddy 300 for safe transportation of the caddy 300 when it is outside the autochanger rack 104. The data cartridge interlock and release system also allows the data cartridge 200 to be inserted into the caddy 300 without actuating the release mechanism. Therefore, when the additional cartridge 200 is mounted in the caddy 300, the data cartridge 200 in the caddy 300 is already pressed and does not vibrate away from the caddy 300. The data cartridge interlock and release system continues to provide light retention for the data cartridge 200 implemented therein. At this time, when the autochanger senses the vibration and shock of normal operation, the release system operates to fix the data cartridge to the caddy 300.

The major functional components of the data cartridge interlock and release system are shown in FIG.
0 and 11 cartridge springs 724 and lock release actuators 704. The cartridge spring 724 has two different tip shapes 710 and 712.
Two different leaf springs 408 and 41 each having
Including 0. The two types of leaf spring latches 408 and 410 operate as a pair in one cartridge 200, as seen in FIGS.

The first latch 408 is a lock spring, has a tip shape 710, and is a data cartridge 200.
2 on the side 208 of the data cartridge 200 when the slot is fully inserted into the slot 340 of the caddy 300.
Catch 04. Tip shape 710 of the lock spring 408
Unless the lock spring 408 is accidentally bent down,
The data cartridge 200 is not released. The combination of the lock tip shape 710 and the beveled tip 726 of the lock spring 408 allows the data cartridge 200 to be inserted into the magazine without the use of another lock spring 408 or detent spring 410 that is inadvertently bent down. To enable that. The lock spring 408 is used to fix the data cartridge 200 to the caddy 300. A lock spring 408 holds the data cartridge 200 in place inside the caddy 300 while a user outside the autochanger rack 104 is handling the caddy 300. In addition, the lock spring 408
Secures the data cartridge 200 inside the caddy 300 so that it is okay if the caddy 300 is moved violently toward the rack 104 for rough handling during mounting.

The second latch 410, which is a pure detent spring, catches the protrusion 206 on the side 208 of the data cartridge 200, at this time.
Is fully inserted into slot 340 of caddy 300 (FIGS. 4, 5, 10, 11). The detent spring 410 provides a light holding force and secures the data cartridge 200 to the back wall 802 on the magazine side 342 of the caddy 300. The detent spring 410 is always operable, and even if the lock spring 408 becomes invalid, the detent spring does not become invalid. Accordingly, detent springs 410 are used to retain respective data cartridges 200 in caddy 300 while lock springs 408 are inactive. Picker 1 while lock spring 408 is disabled
When the data cartridge 200 is pulled out by 06 or the user, the detent spring 410 is defeated,
The data cartridge 200 is released. The lock spring 408 is disabled and the user or autochanger picker 106 is
A detent spring 410 holds another data cartridge fixedly in the caddy 300 whenever one is removed. The detent spring 410 also holds the data cartridge against the caddy 300. In addition, the storage rack detects a vibration and a shock which are normal operations, and detects a lock spring 408.
While detent is disabled, detent spring 410 locks caddy 30.
Hold the data cartridge at 0.

The spring 724 is one piece and is a finger 7 of a leaf spring.
28 edges are preferably stainless steel springs having latches 408 and 410 made of molded plastic. However, the spring 724 can also be made of other hard materials such as hard steel, beryllium copper, hard plastic.

The lock spring release portion 704 is used to cooperate with the lock spring 408 to bend or disable the lock spring 408 downward, and does not cooperate with the detent spring 410 or bend it downward ( 4, 5, 10, 1
1). The lock spring release 704 is held vertically in position within the magazine area 342 of the caddy 300.
This is done by means of extending the X-shaped tab 706 through the hole 352 in the caddy top 350 and by securing the lock spring release 704 in place. Further, this securing means is provided at one end 713 of the expansion spring 714 that is attached to the spring attachment means 730 of the lock spring release 704, and at a similar spring attachment means (not shown) on the lower surface of the caddy top 350. By means of the opposite end 715 of the attached spring portion 714. After the lock spring release portion 704 is fixed in the magazine side 342 of the caddy 300, the cartridge spring 724 is pressed by the spring retainer 7.
It snaps into 18. After that, the spring retainer 718
Goes all the way through the side wall 346 on the handle side 344 of the caddy 300, and the leaf springs 408 and 410 extend through the back wall 802 toward the magazine side 342 of the caddy 300, so that the cartridge spring 724 is
00 (FIGS. 7, 10, 11). Screw 70
2 fixes the handle front panel 720 to the back wall 802 of the caddy 300.

When fully assembled, leaf springs 408 and 410 extend from the handle side 344 to the cartridge magazine side 342 of the caddy 300 (FIG. 6, FIG.
7, 10, 11). Therefore, the data cartridge 200
Notch 202 of data cartridge 200 when is properly aligned with slot 340 and pushed into that position.
Are aligned with the guide tabs 322 and the protrusions 204 and 2
06 is the lock spring 408 and the detent spring 4 respectively.
Slide along 10 ramps 710 and 711 to offset them. This is because the protrusions 204 and 206 of the data cartridge 200 are locked by the lock spring 408.
Until it is positioned behind the locking tip 710 and the tilting tip 712 of the detent spring 410, respectively (FIGS. 4, 6, 7). The decorative button 328 snaps into the X-shaped tab 706 of the lock spring release 704 (FIGS. 6, 7, 10, 11).

When the data cartridge interlock and release system and handle front panel 720 are fully assembled, the expansion spring 713 holds the lock spring release 704 against the underside of the caddy top 350 (FIGS. 4 and 5). , 7, 10, 11). This is because the ramp 708 of the lock spring release portion 704 has the lock spring 4
The lock spring ramp 722 of 08 is not scratched, and the lock spring 408 is not displaced from the locked position. However, when the button 328 is manually operated or pushed down by a mechanical means in the autochanger, the lock spring release portion 704 moves downward, and the ramp 708 of the lock spring release portion 704 catches the lock spring ramp 722 of the lock spring 408. Shift it (Figs. 4, 5, 10, 11). Lock spring 408
When displaced, the lock tip 710 is separated from the protrusion 204 and only the detent spring 410 holds the data cartridge 200 in place in the slot 340 by means of the protrusion 206. The spring force of detent spring 410 is sufficient to hold the weight of the data cartridge against vibrations and shocks, but can be easily overcome by the user or picker 106 pulling on data cartridge 200.

Lock spring release 704 and spring retainer 718 are preferably made from a molded plastic such as polycarbonate or nylon. The compression spring 716 and expansion spring 714 are preferably made from hard steel springs. Decorative button 328, caddy spring lock release 412, handle front panel 720 are preferably made from decoratively colored molded plastic, but can also be made from steel, brass, aluminum, and the like.

3. Data Cartridge Interlock Release Actuator System A data cartridge interlock release actuator system is described below with reference to FIGS. The data cartridge interlock release actuator system allows the data cartridge 200 to be locked to the data cartridge caddy 300 until needed by the autochanger. This is done so that the normal vibrations and shocks due to the operation of the autochanger, or the high levels of force associated with the user inserting and removing the caddy 300 from the storage rack, will not cause the data cartridge 200 to disengage from the caddy 300. In addition, the interlock release actuator system of the data cartridge causes the auto changer to lock the spring 40 when the system operates.
8 can be unlocked, which pushes down the button 328 which actuates the lock spring release 704 and shifts the lock spring 408. The autochanger can accomplish actuation of the data cartridge interlock release actuator system by means of the picker 106, other robotic means, or other mechanical mechanical means. In the preferred embodiment, the picker 106 activates the interlock release actuator system of the data cartridge. However, a motor or solenoid can also activate the cartridge interlock and release system.

The second section above regarding the data cartridge interlock and release system is the lock spring ramp 7 by the ramp 708 of the lock spring release portion 704 when the button 328 is pressed and actuated.
22 and how to disengage the separated lock spring 408 have been described. 7 and 8 show a caddy guide reference sleeve 500 and a caddy guide bottom plate 402. Figure 9
Shows the caddy guide upper plate 600. The caddy guide reference sleeve 500, the caddy guide bottom plate 402, and the caddy guide top plate 600 help form the outer surface of the autochanger storage rack 108 in which the caddy 300 is locked and the autochanger picker accesses the data cartridge 200. can do. The caddy guide top plate 600 is attached to the caddy guide reference sleeve 500 by means of screws, rivets, or the like, through holes 610 in the caddy guide top plate 600 and holes 512 in the caddy guide reference sleeve 500.

When the caddy 300 is properly positioned in the autochanger storage rack 108, the button 32 is pressed.
8 is aligned with the lock release protrusion 616 on the underside of the caddy guide top plate 600 as seen in FIGS. The lock release protrusion 616 has the camshaft 90.
8, the cam shaft 908 is attached to the cam torque arm 902, the cam torque arm is attached to the operating link 618, and the operating link is attached to the operating lever 904 having the lever pivot bearing 906 (FIG. 12). The cam shaft 908 is rotatably mounted above the caddy guide upper plate 600. This is because the lock release protrusion 616 extends through the hole in the caddy guide top plate 600,
It is adapted to align 50 buttons 328.

The pivot bearing 906 is rotatably mounted on the storage rack of the autochanger. It is mounted so that the pivot bearing 906 is the axis of rotation 1002 of the lever when the operating lever 904 moves up and down as shown by arrow 1004 (FIG. 13). The operating lever 904 is moved up and down by the picker 106 or other robot or mechanical means in the autochanger unit such as a motor or a solenoid. In this free state, the operating lever 904 is in the downward position as seen in FIGS. 12 and 13, and the camshaft 908 is oriented towards the lock release protrusion 616 which does not give the button 328 any wobbling. To be done.

When the operating lever 904 is lifted, the cam shaft 908 rotates and the lock release protrusion 616 rotates. This is the lock spring release part 70.
4 is operated to release the lock spring 408,
The wide portion 910 contacts the button 328, and the button 328
Is pushed down. This allows the cartridge 200 to be removed from the caddy 300 by the picker 106. The camshaft 908 rotates to cross far enough, where it remains in the detent position during normal operation until the picker 106 lowers the operating lever 904. When the operating lever 904 is lowered to reverse the rotation of the cam shaft 908, the cam shaft 908 returns to its original position beyond the center, and is freed by an expansion spring (not shown) fixed to the operating lever 904. It is returned to the state and held.

In the preferred embodiment, camshaft 908, operating link 618, and operating lever 904 are made of stainless steel, but can also be made of plastic, steel, aluminum, or similar hard materials. Also in the preferred embodiment, the lock release protrusion 616, the cam torque arm 902, and the pivot bearing 906 are made of molded plastic, but are made of brass, steel,
It can also be made from other similar materials.

The camshaft 908 is made as a cylindrical shaft, as shown in FIG. 12, to lock the projection 616 to the camshaft 908 to prevent slippage of the projection 616 when torque is utilized. Have a pin. Alternatively, the camshaft 908 may be a square shaft, which prevents the protrusion 616 from slipping when torque is utilized and the need for a pin to hold the protrusion 616 on the camshaft 908. Get rid of.

4. Data Cartridge Caddy-to-Storage Rack Reference System The Data Cartridge Caddy 300 allows users of DLT autochanger storage racks to manually install or remove five data cartridges at a time from the autochanger storage rack. To do. Also inside the storage rack, a data cartridge caddy 300 provides storage for the data cartridge 200 when not in use by the autochanger. The caddy 300 must also accurately position the cartridge in the cartridge handling system or picker 106. Therefore, when manually installed by the user, it guides the free caddy 300 outside the storage rack 108 to the final reference position inside the storage rack 108, thus ensuring accurate alignment and reference. A mechanism is needed.

A data cartridge caddy-to-storage rack reference system is described below with reference to FIGS. The parts needed to align and position the caddy 300 on the storage rack 108 of the autochanger are the caddy guide bottom plate 402, the caddy guide reference sleeve 500, and the caddy guide rail 40.
4, caddy hook 406, caddy lock spring 60
4, including the caddy guide upper plate 600.

In the preferred embodiment, the caddy guide top plate 600 is a removable steel sheet metal base mounted to the storage rack 108 as shown in FIG.
Attachment of the caddy guide top plate 600 to the autochanger storage rack 108 provides a reference in the Z direction. Also, the caddy guide top plate 600 can be made from any suitable industrial material, such as steel, aluminum, molded plastic, portions 404, 406.
And the camshaft 908 on the upper plate 600.
Incorporate a shaft mount (not shown) to secure the. The caddy guide rails 404 are made of molded plastic and are attached to the underside of the caddy guide top plate 600 as shown in FIGS. The caddy guide rails 404 can also be made from carbonate (ester), Teflon-filled nylon, or any material that withstands abrasion well. The caddy hook 406 is made of molded plastic and is mounted on top of the caddy guide top plate 600 and extends through the hole 620 to the bottom surface of the caddy guide top plate 600 (FIGS. 7 and 9). The caddy hooks 406 can also be made from carbonate (ester), Teflon-filled nylon or any material that is sufficiently wear resistant.

The caddy lock spring 604 is made of stainless steel and is mounted on the caddy guide rail 404 on the lower surface of the caddy guide upper plate 600. The caddy lock spring can also be made from heat treated carbon steel or other spring hard material. The caddy guide reference sleeve 500 is made of molded plastic and the caddy guide top plate 600 is secured to the autochanger storage rack 10 by screws, rivets, or the like.
Hole 6 of the caddy guide upper plate 600 after being mounted on
10 and hole 51 of caddy guide reference sleeve 500
2 and is attached to the caddy guide upper plate 600 (FIGS. 7 and 9). Caddy guide reference sleeve 500
When attached to the structure of the caddy guide top plate 600 and the autochanger storage rack 108, it provides a reference in the X and Y directions. The caddy guide reference sleeve 500 can also be made of carbon, Teflon filled polycarbonate, or other strong material to dissipate static electricity that builds up as the two surfaces slide relative to each other. The caddy guide bottom plate 402 is made of polycarbonate and is attached to the caddy guide reference sleeve 500. The caddy bottom plate 402 provides a caddy-to-storage-rack reference as the user begins mounting the caddy 300 to the storage rack 108 as seen in FIG. Also, the caddy guide bottom plate 402 can be made of steel or nylon.

A. The first reference autochanger storage rack 108 in a caddy can hold three caddies 300, so there are three caddies in it.
Caddy guide reference sleeve 500 for mounting 00
The user will have three options for slot 430 of The caddy guide bottom plate 402 is attached to the selected slot 43 of the caddy guide reference sleeve 500.
Provided to assist the user in aligning the caddy to implement zero. The caddy guide bottom plate 402 has position guide labels 414, 416, 418 which indicate the location of the three slots 430. The caddy guide bottom plate 402 serves as the surface on which the caddy 300 first slides inside the storage rack 108 prior to the final reference and lock-in. Storage rack 108
To mount the caddy 300 on the
Prior to sliding 00, the caddy guide bottom provides guidance in the Z direction when the user aligns caddy 300 in the Y direction.

B. Caddy guide bottom plate 4 into caddy mounting mid-reference into selected slot 430
02, when the user starts to slide the caddy 300, the caddy guide rail 404 keeps the caddy 300 in place.
A pre-intermediate Y-direction datum is maintained within the passageway 360 on the upper 350 face of the. The caddy passage 360 and the first introduction of the caddy guide rail 404 interact and Y
Guide the caddy 300 smoothly for more accurate directional positioning. That is, since the caddy guide rail 404 is tapered at the first end 612 and the caddy passage 360 projects outward, it is possible to more easily retract the caddy passage 360. The purpose of the caddy guide rails 404 in this regard is to hold the caddy 300 in the Y direction while the user slides the caddy 300 in the X direction to the final reference lock-in position.

The cartridge guide tab 462 of the caddy guide reference sleeve 500 also provides a Z direction reference for the data cartridge 200 of the caddy 300. The cartridge guide tab 462 tapers on the front side 464,
It provides a smooth transition in the Z direction beyond the initial Z direction criterion provided by the caddy guide bottom plate 402.

C. When the last Z-reference user in the caddy mount continues to push the caddy 300 into the storage rack 108, the Z-reference tab 506 of the caddy guide reference sleeve 500 will be at the front, or magazine side 3 of the caddy 300.
At 42, the Z reference slots 306 and 308 are mated (FIGS. 6-8). Also caddy hook 406
Engage the protrusions 370 of the handle front panel 720 (FIGS. 6, 7, 9). Z reference tab 506 and caddy hook 406 simultaneously lift caddy 300 from caddy guide bottom plate 402 and provide a final reference for caddy 300 in the Z direction. Tapered introductions in Z reference slots 306 and 308 of caddy 300, Z reference tab 5 of caddy guide reference sleeve 500
06, the protrusion 370 on the handle front panel 720, and the caddy hook 406 allow a smooth transition to the final reference position in the Z direction (FIGS. 6-9).

D. At the same time that the last Y reference caddy 300 in the caddy mount is referenced in the Z direction by the caddy guide reference sleeve 500 and the caddy hook 406, the Y reference slot 312 of the front 350 of the caddy 300, or the top 350 of the magazine side 342.
Connects with the Y reference fin 502 of the caddy guide reference sleeve 500 to establish the final reference for the caddy 300 in the Y direction (FIGS. 6-8). The tapered introduction of the Y reference fin 502 and the overhanging introduction of the Y reference slot 312 allow a smooth transition to the last referenced position in the Y direction (FIGS. 6-8).

The final Y-direction reference is also provided by a vertical tab (not shown) on the caddy hook 406 that engages the slots 332, 334 of the protrusion 370 on the handle front panel 720 (FIGS. 6, 7, 9,). 10). The slots 332, 334 have an overhanging introducer.
This is to enable the transition to the final Y direction with reference to the caddy hook 406.

This last Y-direction reference replaces the previous Y-direction reference provided by the caddy guide rail 404. Between the Y reference provided by the caddy guide rail 404 and the Y reference provided by the Y reference fin 502 of the caddy guide reference sleeve 500,
The caddy guide rails 404 can be narrower at the rear 660 to ensure that the caddy does not get stuck. This rear part 660 is
Y reference fin 50 of caddy guide reference sleeve 500
2 corresponds to the position where the Y-direction reference is taken over.

E. Last X Criteria for Caddy Mounting The last reference for caddy 300 while mounted in storage rack 108 is established in the X direction. The user may move the caddy 300 until the caddy 300 is stopped by the front of the side walls 346 and 348, or the X reference surfaces 302 and 304 of the magazine side 342, contacting the X reference pads 504 of the caddy guide reference sleeve 500, respectively.
Push the caddy 300 in the direction (FIGS. 6-8). When the caddy 300 is completely mounted on the storage rack 108, the caddy lock spring 604 of the caddy guide upper plate 600 is provided.
Locks into the hole 380 in the top 350 of the caddy 300, locking the caddy 300 in place. The caddy 300 is now locked in its final reference position on the storage rack 108 and the autochanger picker 106 can be referenced to connect with the cartridge 200 of the cartridge caddy 300.

5. Data cartridge caddy-to-storage rack interlock and release system A data cartridge caddy-to-storage rack interlock and release system is shown in FIGS.
It will be described below with reference to 0 and 14. As described above in Section 4, when the caddy 300 is fully mounted on the storage rack 108, the caddy lock spring 604 of the caddy guide top plate 600 causes the caddy lock spring 604 of the top 3 of the caddy 300 to open.
80 to lock the caddy 300 in place within the storage rack 108 against backward movement in the X direction. When the caddy lock spring 604 is locked in the hole 380, the lock protrusion 605 of the lock spring 604 is inserted into the hole 38.
The 0 surface 382 is hooked to hold the caddy in place. When the user desires to remove the caddy 300 from the storage rack 108, the user can depress the caddy spring lock release 412 toward the handle 314. When the caddy spring lock release 412 is actuated, the protrusion 330 slides along the ramp surface 603 of the lock spring 604 and displaces the lock spring 604 from the locked position, allowing the caddy 300 to move to the storage rack 1.
It is removed from 08 and becomes free.

The caddy lock spring 604 must be weak in the Z direction so that the thumb movement of the caddy spring lock release 412 can be as light as possible.
However, the caddy lock spring 604 must be able to withstand operational vibrations and forces, and must also maintain the caddy against forces in the X and slightly Z directions. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the locking projection 605 of the lock spring 604 is
Bends towards surface 382 rather than being straight and vertical as seen in FIG.

6. A data cartridge-to-caddy reference system for a data cartridge handling mechanism in an autochanger.
8 provides not only a reference for the caddy 300 to be implemented, but also an introductory reference for the data cartridge 200 being inserted into the caddy 300 by the data cartridge handling mechanism or picker 106 (FIG. 7, 8).

That is, the data cartridge Z reference tab 462 provides a Z direction reference for the picker 106 from behind the caddy guide reference sleeve 500. The data cartridge reference tab 462 is tapered at the rear end 466, and is Z based on the picker 106.
Provides a smooth transition to a direction. The data cartridge Y reference tab 468 also provides a Y direction reference for the picker 106 from behind the caddy guide reference sleeve 500. The data cartridge Y reference tab 468 is also tapered to provide a smooth transition in the Y direction relative to the picker 106. In the caddy 300, the picker continues to slide in the X direction until the data cartridge 200 hits the wall 802, at which point the lock spring 408 and the detent spring 4 move.
The data cartridge is locked to the caddy 300 by 10.

7. Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a data cartridge caddy When a prior art autochanger is first powered on, a data cartridge handling mechanism or picker 1
06 automatically wraps around and hits all possible data cartridge positions and determines which data cartridge position had the data cartridge 200 there. Since the autochanger can get the ability to handle more data cartridge positions,
This method is time consuming and inefficient.

A method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a data cartridge caddy according to the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for an autochanger that automatically and electronically detects the presence of a data cartridge caddy 300 in a storage rack. Storage rack 10 once auto changer
8 knows which data cartridge caddy 300 is present, the picker does not attempt to remove the data cartridge 200 from the location of the data cartridge caddy 300 which does not exist.

The basic elements of the method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a data cartridge caddy include a light blocking flag 326 on the top 350 of the caddy 300 and a light blocking sensor 606 provided to the caddy guide top plate 600. 608 (FIGS. 6, 9-11). The caddy guide reference sleeve 500 is the caddy guide upper plate 6
Sensor 606 that blocks light when attached to 00
And 608 extend through holes 508 in caddy guide reference slave 500 (FIGS. 7-9).

The caddy 300 is completely storage rack 108.
The light blocking flag 326 activates the light blocking sensors 606 and 608 when introduced into the device. This information is sent to the controller of the picker 106 via electronic signals. Once the picker has determined which data cartridge caddy 300 is present and which is not present, the picker 106 will go around the possible caddy 300 locations of the existing caddy 300, and identify the missing caddy 300. The position of the data cartridge is skipped.

Alternatively to this embodiment of the invention, a reflection sensor, a magnetic sensor or a microswitch can be used. Also, there is a caddy 3 that goes around
00 data cartridge position and instead of the picker 106 that determines if the data cartridge 200 is present in the existing caddy 300, the caddy at the position of each data cartridge on the Y-direction reference tab 466 or at the position of each data cartridge. A data cartridge present sensor may be placed in place of the guide reference sleeves 490, 492, 494, 496. In this alternative embodiment, once the controller of the picker 106 knows which caddy 300 was present, then sensing that the light sensor was interrupted by the presence of the data cartridge in the caddy guide reference sleeve 500. Inquire about which data cartridge 200 existed in the existing caddy 300.

Another alternative embodiment is to utilize a bar code reader, which data cartridge 2
To determine if 00 is present, read the bar code label on the known existing caddy data cartridge 200. If the bar code reader does not find the bar code label in the cartridge slot of a known existing caddy, was the particular data cartridge 200 present by the picker's "touch sensitive" method or by the abutting method? Make a decision. Both of the above methods are much faster and more efficient than the conventional “touch sensitive” method of determining which caddy is in the autochanger and which data cartridge is in the caddy. Target.

The foregoing of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to that disclosed above, and various other forms are possible. For example, the caddy 300 can hold multiple cartridges 200, five or more. Also, the storage rack can hold a large number of caddies, three or more. Further, while the data cartridge 200 is held in the caddy 300 in the orientation described above in the HP autochanger C5150, the other autochangers are
The cartridge 200 can be handled in different initial orientations such as upside down or side. Further, although the present invention has described the use of DLT data cartridges in an autochanger library, a magneto-optical storage device, C
The present invention can be applied to any type of D player CDS and data cartridge.

The present invention includes the following embodiments by way of example. (1) The user can install a data cartridge caddy into a storage rack, and the caddy 300
Is a data cartridge caddy-to-storage rack reference system that provides accurate alignment of the data cartridge 200 from the caddy 300 to the autochanger when the caddy is installed in the storage rack of the autochanger. 300
Means for providing a prior Z-direction reference 402 between the caddy 300 and the storage rack prior to mounting, and during and prior to mounting the caddy 300 on the storage rack. Pre and mid Y reference 4 between caddy 300 and storage rack
04, 414, 416, 418, and for providing an intermediate Z-direction reference 462 between the caddy 300 and the storage rack while mounting the caddy 300 on the storage rack. Means and once the caddy 300 begins to be mounted in the storage rack, the last Z-direction datum 306, 308, 370, 40 between the caddy 300 and the storage rack and between the caddy 300 and the autochanger.
6,506, means for providing the caddy 30
0 begins to be mounted in the storage rack, between the caddy 300 and the storage rack, and the caddy 30.
Means for providing a final Y-direction reference 315, 502 between 0 and the autochanger, and when the caddy 300 begins to be mounted on the storage rack, between the caddy 300 and the storage rack, and the caddy 300. And the last X-direction reference 302, 304, 380, 504, 604 between the autochanger and the autochanger.
And a means for providing a data cartridge caddy to storage rack reference system.

[0060]

According to the reference system of the data cartridge caddy to the storage rack of the present invention, the caddy can be accurately guided to the last reference position in the storage rack.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective schematic view of a portion of a computer information storage library.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a typical DLT data cartridge.

FIG. 3 is a second perspective view of an exemplary DLT data cartridge.

FIG. 4 is a second perspective view of an exemplary DLT data cartridge having a lock and detent spring according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a second perspective view of an exemplary DLT data cartridge having a detached lock spring according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a caddy for handling and storing DLT data cartridges from the cartridge magazine side of the caddy according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a data cartridge caddy vs. storage rack reference system and cartridge caddy according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a reference sleeve of a data cartridge caddy versus storage rack according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the top plate of a data cartridge caddy-to-storage rack reference system according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exploded data cartridge caddy showing a data cartridge interlock and release system according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the same disassembled data cartridge caddy as FIG.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an interlock release actuator system for a data cartridge according to the present invention.

13 is an interlock release actuator of the data cartridge shown in FIG. 12 according to the present invention.
A perspective view of the side of the system.

FIG. 14 is an exploded side perspective view of a data cartridge caddy vs. storage rack interlock and release system according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

108 storage rack 200 data cartridge 300 caddy 302, 304 X reference plane 306, 3
08 reference slot 312 Y reference slot 342 magazine 402 caddy guide bottom plate 404 caddy guide rail 406 caddy hooks 414, 416, 418 position guide label 462 cartridge guide tab 502 Y reference fin 504 X
Reference pad 506 Z reference tab 604 Caddy lock spring

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Greg S. Schmicke United States 80524 Fort Collins, Colorado Kitchel Way 4607 (56) References JP-A-8-96566 (JP, A) (58) Survey Selected fields (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) G11B 15/68 G11B 17/22

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A user is allowed to mount a data cartridge caddy in a storage rack of an autochanger, and when the caddy begins to be mounted in the storage rack,
A data cartridge caddy-to-storage rack reference system that provides accurate alignment of a data cartridge from the caddy to an autochanger, the method comprising:
Storage rack is a data cart stored in the caddy
The auto changer picker has access to the ridge
The caddy guide reference sleeve that defines the open area
With which, prior to the caddy implementation into the storage rack, the caddy guide bottom plate to provide a preliminary Z direction reference between the caddy and-holding tube rack, prior to the caddy mounting to said storage rack And a caddy guide rail providing a pre- and intermediate Y-direction reference between the caddy and the storage rack during mounting, the caddy and the storage rack during mounting of the caddy on the storage rack At least one cartridge guide tab providing an intermediate Z-direction reference between the caddy guide reference sleeve and a Z-reference tab provided on the caddy guide reference sleeve of the caddy when the caddy is mounted on the storage rack . , The data cartridge is out
A Z reference tab for connecting the Z reference slots provided on the magazine side to be inserted to provide a final Z direction reference between the caddy and the storage rack and between the caddy and the autochanger; and the caddy guide reference. A Y reference fin provided on a sleeve, which connects at least one Y reference slot provided on the magazine side of the caddy when the caddy is mounted on the storage rack, At least one providing a final Y-direction reference between the caddy and the storage rack and between the caddy and the autochanger
Two Y reference fins and an X reference pad provided on the caddy guide reference sleeve, the X reference pad being provided on the magazine side of the caddy when the caddy is mounted on the storage rack. At least one X connecting both X reference planes and providing a final X direction reference between the caddy and the storage rack and between the caddy and the autochanger.
A reference system for a data cartridge caddy versus storage rack, including a reference pad. 2. The data cartridge caddy vs. storage rack of claim 1, wherein the last Z-direction datum comprises at least one caddy hook that engages at least one protrusion to provide an additional Z-direction datum. Reference system. Wherein the final Y direction criteria, wherein at least one vertical tab engaging the slot at least 1
The data cartridge caddy vs. storage rack reference system of claim 2 providing for one additional caddy hook to provide an additional final Y-direction reference. 4. The datum cartridge caddy vs. storage rack datum system of claim 1, wherein the last X-direction datum comprises a caddy lock spring that engages a hole to provide an additional final X-direction datum.